Bryan Ruiz headed the goal Friday that gave Costa Rica a shock win over Italy who failed to score in a World Cup finals match for the first time since 1998.

Victory sent Costa Rica into the second round for the first time since 1990 and meant that Group D rivals England crash out. Italy still have work to do to get through. They must get at least a draw in their final match against Uruguay.

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli said it will take a far better performance for the Azzurri to make amends against Uruguay on June 24.

World Cup 2014: Italy v Costa Rica highlights

Costa Rica's Bryan Ruiz (right) scores a goal against Italy's goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon during their Group D match at the Pernambuco Arena in Recife. Photo: Reuters

"We also did well in possession, which is not easy against the Italians."

Italy were a shadow of the side that beat England 2-1 last Saturday. It was a night of misplaced passes and slap-dash defending.

Pirlo made one sublime chip over the top of the Costa Rican defence which found Balotelli in space, only for the AC Milan striker to loft his effort off target.

Balotelli, who scored the winner against England last Saturday, pounced on a header from Pirlo a minute later but Keylor Navas blocked the striker's fierce drive from the edge of the area.

Arsenal's Joel Campbell looked to have won a cast iron penalty in the 43rd minute. He pounced on a mistake by Giorgio Chiellini and broke into the Italian penalty area where he was barged over by the Juventus defender.

Two minutes later, Pinto was jumping for joy as Ruiz got the goal Costa Rica deserved.

Gianluigi Buffon, who sat out the England win due to an ankle knock, failed to come for a Junior Diaz cross to the far post and Ruiz produced a superb header which beat the 2006 World Cup winning goalkeeper.

Prandelli shook up his side, introducing forward Antonio Cassano for Thiago Motta in the second-half. Italy's game did not improve though.

Marcos Urena replaced Campbell on 74 minutes and his fresh legs kept Italy on the defensive.

Urena ran on to one a long ball lofted from midfield, only for Chiellini to block the striker's shot on the edge of the area.

Italy's last chance was a drive from Cerci that smacked off the face of Giancarlo Gonzalez, but his effort was offside.

Costa Rica lead Group D with six points, while Italy and Uruguay have three each. Costa Rica play England and Italy meet Uruguay on Tuesday.

AFP

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